For our literature circle meetings I am in the group that is reading Educating Esmē. First of all, I'd like to say that I am really enjoying this book this far. It's so funny and is a very easy read. I think it's really great the way Esmē isn't afraid to stand up for herself and her class. For example, when the little boy wins the Addy doll and the principle tries to redraw for it so that it goes to a girl because he's homophobic and Esmē gets up and grabs the doll away and gives it to the little boy. I think she is one of the most admirable teachers i have ever really heard of. However, what I dislike about the book is that the whole time I'm reading the story I get the feeling she's teaching a much younger class of students than she is. I feel like she treats them as though they're in about second grade, but I realize this isn't totally her fault. Esmē's students need this kind of treatment because they are not at the level they should be at this point in their education and that is very sad, but I think she handles the situation very nicely. When they are having trouble with something she makes it a point to exercise this area without making it a point to embarrass her students by making them learn it the old-fashioned way. For example, when her students are having trouble reading, Esmē wants to help them to be able to read fluently without making them feel ashamed for being in the fifth grade and unable to read so she sets up a project to teach kindergarteners how to read and in turn, her fifth graders become better readers as well. I just love her teaching style and her laid back attitude that doubles with one of the most caring attitudes toward her students. She sets a great example for her students and other teachers' students and I feel she really was destined to be at this school with these students.
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